UPDATED: EPA Looking into Marcellus Shale Operations in Washington County

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:10 p.m. to include reaction from local lawmakers.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency is investigating whether Marcellus Shale drilling and compressor station operations in the county have caused any environmental damage or violated federal regulations.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the investigation into air, water and other hazardous materials impacts began in late September.

That's when the agency told the newspaper that on-site testing was completed "and is the initial stage of a possible enforcement action or actions."

"In Washington County, EPA has conducted inspections at active industrial operations including well pads and compressor stations," Terri White, an EPA spokeswoman at the agency's Philadelphia regional office, said in an email response to questions the Post-Gazette posed last week.

The newspaper reported "that the agency will not disclose the names of the facility or facilities where testing has been done until the investigation is complete, and that's expected to take 'several more months.'"

Reached on the matter Monday, state , D-Cecil, said he hopes for the best.

“As someone who represents a region heavily dependent on the responsible development of Marcellus Shale, I sincerely hope the EPA investigation conclusively confirms the longstanding position by the industry that they are committed to public health and environmental accounability," he said. "I trust our industry neighbors will view this investigation as an opportunity to prove that their performance matches their promise to the people of Washington County.”

, D-North Strabane, said, "Hopefully it will affirm that the process is being done properly. If there are any issues found with the process, hopefully we can move forward and make it safer so there is little to no risk to the people of Washington County and Pennsylvania."

Matt Pitzarella, spokesman for Southpointe-based Range Resources—a Marcellus Shale company operating in Washington County—could not immediately be reached by Patch for comment on the matter Monday afternoon.